iCivics Judicial Branch: Sources of Law

According to the passage, what are the three main sources of law?

• Constitutions, statutes, and regulations

• Court decisions, executive orders, and treaties

• Rules, charters, and guidelines

• Common laws, local rules, and past decisions

What do federal agency rules have in common with laws?

• They change often

• They can be unclear

• They must be followed

• They are flexible

Which branch of government makes laws?

• Administrative

• Executive

• Judicial

• Legislative

What does a precedent mean in law?

• A court’s decision about a law

• A new law

• A rule made by lawmakers

• A legal idea

What is the main responsibility of people in the legal system?

• To challenge laws

• To give more power to the government

• To keep justice and safety

• To focus on their own needs

What types of laws apply to people under 18?

• Environmental laws

• Tax laws

• Immigration laws

• Labor laws

Who has special legal systems?

• Soldiers and minors

• Kids and immigrants

• Elderly people and refugees

• Athletes and celebrities

How is a felony different from a misdemeanor?

• It is more serious

• It depends on where it happened

• It takes longer to go to court

• It involves federal agencies

What is the purpose of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)?

• To handle international problems

• To manage immigration issues

• To protect civil rights

• To keep order in the military

Why is the U.S. Constitution important for laws?

• It guides state laws

• It gives Congress power and limits

• It lets local governments make rules

• It explains federal agency rules